Stem-Loop RT-qPCR as an Efficient Tool for the Detection and Quantification of Small RNAs in Giardia lamblia

Abstract

Stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is a molecular technique used for identification and quantification of individual small RNAs in cells. In this work, we used a Universal ProbeLibrary (UPL)-based design to detect-in a rapid, sensitive, specific, and reproducible way-the small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) GlsR17 and its derived miRNA (miR2) of <i>Giardia lamblia</i> using a stem-loop RT-qPCR approach. Both small RNAs could be isolated from both total RNA and small RNA samples. Identification of the two small RNAs was carried out by sequencing the PCR-amplified small RNA products upon ligation into the pJET1.2/blunt vector. GlsR17 is constitutively expressed during the 72 h cultures of trophozoites, while the mature miR2 is present in 2-fold higher abundance during the first 48 h than at 72 h. Because it has been suggested that miRNAs in <i>G</i>. <i>lamblia</i> have an important role in the regulation of gene expression, the use of the stem-loop RT-qPCR method could be valuable for the study of miRNAs of <i>G</i>. <i>lamblia</i>. This methodology will be a powerful tool for studying gene regulation in <i>G. lamblia</i>, and will help to better understand the features and functions of these regulatory molecules and how they work within the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in <i>G. lamblia</i>.